Featured Presenters

Dr. Peter DeWitt

August 1, 2017 @ 8:30
Keynote

Performing Arts Center - Byron Nelson High School

Dr. John
Hattie found that one of the most effective methods for improving achievement
is giving students 100% visibility into what they are learning and why—Visible
Learning.Visible Learners are able to articulate what they are learning, their
progress toward meeting standards of learning goals, what the next step is, and
how they are going to get there.

Dr. Peter DeWitt will deliver a highly engaging keynote focused on developing self-reflective learners by
leveraging effective feedback.Feedback
is one of the highest impact instructional strategies revealed by the
groundbreaking Visible Learning research.Participants will learn what effective feedback is, why it’s important, how
teachers can implement effective feedback strategies to benefit students, and
how leaders can implement effective feedback strategies to benefit teachers.
Peter will help educators to understand that providing effective feedback is
one of the most powerful ways for increasing student achievement and teacher
performance; and they will walk away with practical strategies designed to
impact their teaching immediately.

John Almarode

August 2, 2017
Keynote

Performing Arts Center - Byron Nelson High School

John Almarode will present this highly interactive keynote presentation to help educators develop an understanding of what works best to engage students in learning.Blending the science of how we learn with classroom practice, participants will develop a tool kit for grabbing and maintaining student engagement at all three levels (behavioral, emotional, and cognitive) while at the same time increasing learning.

Through John's energetic and interactive keynote, participants will identify essential components of an effective and engaging experience. Participants will explore what that looks like in different content areas and plan for these practices in their own classrooms. Get ready to have a lot of fun!

Jaime Casap

August 3, 2017 @ 8:30
Keynote

Performing Arts Center - Byron Nelson High School

Jamie Casap is a Senior Education Evangelist at Google, Inc. He is responsible for working with K12 educational institutions and organizations to bring current and future technological innovations into the education environment. In his role, he evangelizes the power of technology and the use of Google tools, such as Google Apps and Chromebooks, to help students build the skills needed to succeed, close the digital divide, and help level the playing field. He has worked with hundreds of school districts, charter schools, and has created partnerships with organizations to build capability to bring Google tools to millions of administrators, teachers, and students.

Lisa Van Gemert fondly known as the gifted guru is an educator and speaker as well as a great resource to all teachers. Lisa is passionate about education and she will share practical and useful resources, tips, and tricks for all educators. The best practices she shares will benefit our Gifted and Talented teachers as well as all of our classroom teachers that strive to meet the needs of all of our students. In fact, Lisa states, "I think GT stands for Good Teaching and Good Thinking as much as Gifted and Talented." Lisa frequently speaks at conferences, provides workshops, and consults with school districts. She has published numerous articles in magazines and journals.

Dr. Carrie Simpson

August 3, 2017

See ENGAGE Schedule for session listings

Dr. Simpson has been serving in the field of differentiation in education for over 14 years. She has been a classroom teacher, administrator, and has taught college level courses on diverse populations. She specializes in gifted learners, differentiated instruction and inclusion models. She has served in special student services as well as gifted student services.

Dr. Simpson models differentiated instruction approaches and strategies while collaborating with curriculum writers and directors, campus leadership, and teachers. Her topics include differentiation in the general classroom as well as the AP classroom, inclusion models, and how to reach special populations and brain-based instructional practices.

Dr. Nicki Newton is an education consultant who works with schools and districts around the country on elementary math curriculum (including best practices like guided math) as well as curriculum mapping. She has taught elementary school, middle school, and graduate school. Having spent several years as a bilingual teacher and staff developer, she has an extensive background in Sheltered Instruction and English Language Learner Strategies.

Dr. Nicki Newton has an Ed.M. and an Ed.D from the Department of Curriculum and Teaching at Teachers College, Columbia University specializing in Teacher Education and Curriculum Development. She uses her strong understanding of curriculum to address the differentiated needs of all students in her work with teachers and administrators.

Representatives from Region XI will be leading sessions throughout the conference. Please check the conference schedule for specific sessions and times.